i think the urge program is a ... - cedar creek institute · and come to the institute for the...

June - August 2014

Highlights by Pierce Cedar Creek Institute:

10 Years of Undergraduate Research

No Family Left Indoors

“Superstar Birder”

Moonlit Moths

“I think the URGE program is a wonderful experience for students

who are interested in biological research. My time at Pierce

Cedar Creek Institute was invaluable in helping me determine my

future career goals, as well as gaining a hands-on experience I

am continuing to use every day.”

–Adrienne Gibson, 2010 URGE Fellow

Central Michigan University Graduate Student

L to R: Adrienne Gibson and Lauren Villabos, 2010 URGE Fellows

As the weather warms, families spend more time outside. When school is

dismissed for the summer, families also look for a variety of activities to enjoy

together and keep the kids engaged. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is partnering

with several programs this summer to help families enjoy the outdoors and

promote its mission of environmental education and appreciation. Those

programs are No Family Left Indoors, ExploreMore, and Family Science Nights.

During the summer, college students and their faculty mentors will also be

conducting scientific research and creating artwork and works of creative

writing at the Institute, funded by grants given annually through Pierce Cedar

Creek Institute, Gordon Art Fellowship, and the Nature in Words Fellowship.

This summer marks the tenth year the Institute has welcomed undergraduate

researchers to the property. Learn more inside about the research projects,

family activities, programs, and workshops occurring at the Institute during

June, July, and August.

Starting in 2005, students from fourteen

colleges and universities throughout the

lower peninsula of Michigan and northern

Indiana started arriving at Pierce Cedar

Creek Institute in search of an in-depth

learning experience outside the traditional

classroom setting. Students work with

mentors at their home institutions to

propose independent research projects

and come to the Institute for the summer.

The program started as ecology research,

but the Institute added the Gordon Art

Fellowship in 2010 and the Nature in

Words Fellowship in 2011 . Since 2005,

the Institute has hosted 157 student

researchers, five artists, and six writers,

along with 49 faculty advisors. In total,

almost $850,000 was invested on

undergraduate projects from 2005 – 2013,

with an estimated $120,000 in funding

during 2014.

Over the course of the last decade, student

and faculty research projects have covered

a vast array of topics, from water and soil

quality to stinkpot turtle dynamics. The

main objective of the undergraduate

research program is to take students

through the entire process of doing a

research project: from coming up with

ideas, writing a proposal, completing the

project in the field, writing up the results,

“The URGE program was both challenging and

rewarding for me. I learned a great deal about

scientific research while at the Institute,

everything from planning, to field work, to data

analysis. Living at the old farmhouse on the

property was a fun experience, and I enjoyed

socializing with the other researchers after

work. The URGE program sets up its

researchers for success not only in science,

but in life.”

–Ryan Fouty, 2008 URGE Fellow

10 Years of Undergraduate Research

Hours

Visitor Center

Monday – Friday 9 am — 5 pm

Weekends – Open for programs only

Holiday Hours

Closed Independence Day

Friday, July 4

Trails

Open Daily

Dawn – Dusk

Mission Statement To promote environmental education,

research, preservation, and appreciation.

Board of Directors Carl Schoessel, President

Jeff Garrison, Vice President

Jim Toburen, Treasurer

Joe Pierce

Hilary Snell

Shaily Menon

Naturally Speaking is published quarterly by

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

701 West Cloverdale Road

Hastings, MI 49058

Tel (269) 721-4190

Fax (269) 721-4474

cedarcreekinstitute.org

Copyright 2014

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

All rights reserved

June – August 2014

2

and then presenting the project to peers

for feedback. The process is different

from many other research programs,

where students may be assigned a project

or work as a technician, but never actually

move through all phases of a project from

concept to report.

Currently, twelve colleges and universities

send their students to the Institute to do

research, many of which do not have the

facilities or funding for these types of

undergraduate student projects.

Furthermore, some of the faculty who

advise the students conduct their

research exclusively at Pierce Cedar Creek

Institute.

Students and faculty formulate research

ideas in the winter months and submit

research proposals in January. Proposals

are reviewed by faculty from partner

universities. The projects are then revised

before arriving in May. Research projects

are compiled between May and August,

and students return to their home

institutions to write a final report and

compose a project presentation. Students

“The experiences I gained at Pierce Cedar Creek

Institute helped make me more marketable for

a position. The fact that I was awarded a grant

and completed an independent project helped

greatly. Also the fact that I spent a summer

doing field work aided me in my job search.”

–Becky Norris, 2008 URGE Fellow and Ecologist

at Michigan Natural Features Inventory.

L to R: Becky Norris and Katelyn Schumacher,

2008 URGE Fellows

receive additional feedback to improve their

project before it is officially completed.

Students will give presentations at the

Institute as well as at scientific meetings,

and fellowship artists will display work in

galleries and events such as Art Prize.

Undergraduate students have used their

experiences gained at the Institute to propel

them to graduate school and job searches.

Previous students have gone

on to work for Western Ecosystems

Technology, The Ohio State University,

Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Indiana

Dunes Environmental Learning Center, and

National Forest Service. In addition,

numerous students have gone on to become

middle and high school science teachers.

To learn more about the undergraduate

program at the Institute, contact Education

and Field Station Director Sara Parr

Syswerda at (269) 721-4434. To donate to

the undergraduate program, contact Executive Director Michelle Skedgell at (269) 721-4470.

Sara Parr Syswerda, Education and Field Station Director

3

2005

There are over 100 student research reports on the Institute’s website cedarcreekinstitute.org

under the biological field station tab.

L to R: Meghan (Fish) Grab and

Melissa Menerey, 2008 URGE Fellows

2006

2007 2008

2009 2010

2011 2012

2013 2014

“I was so thankful to be given the opportunity to

conduct my first-time research at Pierce Cedar

Creek Institute. After no response from various

other research institutes, Pierce Cedar Creek

Institute gave me the chance to gain first-hand

experience doing ecological research. The lush

and diverse environmental habitats that

surround Pierce Cedar Creek Institute served as

the perfect place to do my research project. The

summer internship was also a great way to

meet and network with other students and

faculty and discuss their ongoing research. I

was even able to go out in the field with some of

the other student researchers and learn other

techniques and skills. I will forever remember

the friendships and fun I had that summer doing

my research at the Institute as well as the great

scientific knowledge I gained over the three

months in the field.”

–Meghan (Fish) Grab, 2008 URGE Fellow

Central Michigan University Anthony Wing and Katy Isles, along with

faculty advisor Peter Kourtev, will be studying

the relationship between ecosystem diversity

and function focused on the leaves of the

northern pitcher plant (S. purpurea) as a

model system.

Dylan Sterling and Cameron Poyner,

mentored by Brad Swanson, will document

the ability of the invasive plant Phragmites to

hybridize with its native relative.

Stephanie Ellison and faculty advisor Brad

Swanson will estimate raccoon density with

track-plate foot-printing.

Grand Rapids Community College Jim Jensen, mentored by Pam Laureto, will

research the classification of mesic hardwood forests at the

Institute.

Lindsey Cnossen and faculty advisor Matthew Douglas will

examine the biodiversity of aquatic, semi-aquatic, and near-

shore insects at the Institute to compare their grooming and

cleaning behavior.

Melena Grady, advised by faculty member Matthew Douglas, will

investigate the sexual size dimorphism and biodiversity of

spiders at the Institute.

Grand Valley State University Heather Taylor and Sophie Bennett, along with faculty advisors

Alexandra Locher and Todd Aschenbach, will be relating the

presence of exotic shrubs to soil properties and overstory forest

characteristics at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute.

Jeff Bartman and Nate Kudla, advised by faculty member

Jennifer Moore, are investigating the effects of prey abundance

on habitat use by eastern massasauga rattlesnakes.

Kalamazoo College Brian Cunningham-Rhoads and Will Gribbin, mentored by faculty

member Binney Girdler, will examine the effects of propagule

pressure and disturbance on the invasive species Centaurea

maculosa.

Jack Kemper and Abraham Bayha, along with faculty advisor Ann

Fraser, will assess the impacts of European honey bees on

native bee pollinators in natural ecosystems.

Summer 2014 Undergraduate Research Projects

Gordon Art Fellowship

Grand Rapids Community College Cassondra Ruso and faculty advisor Paul Krieger will be working

on a project entitled, “The Beauty Beneath.” The proposed art

project will be an investigation of single-celled protists, such as

an amoeba or hydra, which inhabit the various ecosystems at

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Using mixed media—primarily

watercolor and marker pen—Ruso will illustrate a selection of

these organisms with an emphasis on placing them in their

natural habitat.

Nature In Words Fellowships

Kalamazoo College Marie Hallinen and faculty advisor Diane Seuss will be engaged

in a writing project entitled, “Subjectivity in Science.” Hallinen

will create a portfolio of creative writing that explores the

overlap between ecology and ethics, focusing on time spent

assisting researchers at the Institute.

Aquinas College Patricia Schlutt and faculty advisor Pamela Dail Whiting will be

working on a poetry project entitled, “Communion in the

Wilderness: What Poetry Has to Teach Us about the Natural

World.” Schlutt’s project will result in a collection of 40 – 50

poems, in which she will use poetry to express the language and

invitation of nature. The poems will share the common theme of

welcoming the reader into the wildness and the beauty of the

natural world that exists just beneath everyday life.

2014 Students and Faculty Mentors

Undergraduate Research Grants for the Environment (URGE)

4

5

No Family Left Indoors

Get outside and enjoy all the local community has to offer! The free No Family Left Indoors programs are scheduled throughout the

summer on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 8 pm at a different Barry County location every week. Sign up with Pierce Cedar Creek

Institute at cedarcreekinstitute.org or (269) 721-4190 to help organizations prepare for their programs.

ExploreMore—Summer Camp Experience (For youth entering sixth – eighth grades) June 16 through 19 (week 1) and August 11 through 14 (week 2) from 9 am – 3 pm each day The ExploreMore day camp will be returning for its second summer and is open to middle school students. The affordable two-week

camp provides youth with team-building activities at Camp Algonquin, the history of the United States explored through automobiles at

the Gilmore Car Museum, archaeology at Charlton Park, and environmental research at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Interested

individuals will find more information about the program and can sign up at ymcaofbarrycounty.org. Pre-registration and payment are

required. Program participation may be limited.

$150 through May 23 | $175 from May 24 through June 6

Family Science Nights Wednesday, June 25 from 6 – 8 pm | Thursday, August 7 from 6 – 8 pm Kid-friendly, free programs introduce participants to research being done by Institute

researchers and students. On June 25, during the free Ice Cream Social, participants

will have the opportunity to speak with the researchers, learn more about their

projects, and see demonstrations of techniques used.

On August 7, students from Grand Rapids Community College’s Biodiversity class will

share their discoveries. The class focuses on finding, identifying, and learning more

about the life found at the Institute. Participants at Family Science Night will have the

opportunity to see a wide variety of organisms.

Free Family Science Night 2013

No Family Left Indoors Schedule of Events

Date Name of Event Host Location of Event

June 3 Nesting Season at Otis Sanctuary Michigan Audubon Society Otis Sanctuary

Go for a 1.5 mile hike with a skilled birder on the Sanctuary trails to identify birds and look for nests.

June 10 Family Night at Camp YMCA of Barry County Camp Algonquin

Enjoy a couple hours of camp with the rest of your family including camp games, a climbing wall, and a boat ride.

June 17 Beginner Mountain Biking Thornapple Trail Association Wildwood Trails Park

Kids can learn to build their skills and try longer area mountain bike trails. Bring your own bike to participate.

June 24 Compass Crusaders Charlton Park Charlton Park

Learn the basics of a traditional compass and to read a map with a compass.

July 1 Finding Frogs at Hidden Pond Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy Hidden Pond Preserve

Kids will have the opportunity to get their feet wet and look for their favorite amphibians.

July 8 Music Makers Thornapple Arts Council Courthouse Lawn in Hastings

Listen to music, see a demonstration of drumming, and make your own drum.

July 15 Community Music School Concert Community Music School Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

Community Music School students will play an outdoor concert. Instruments will be available to touch and explore.

July 22 Tremendous Trees Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

Learn more about Michigan’s trees and the roles they play both in cities and in forests through a variety of activities.

July 29 Backpacking and Fishing North Country Trail Assoication Stagecoach Park in Middleville

Thornapple Watershed Council

See a demonstration on what to bring for overnight trail hikes and fishing demonstrations and have an opportunity to fish.

August 5 Scavenger Hunt at Riverwalk Trail Hastings Public Library Hastings Public Library

Enjoy a walk through downtown Hastings and on the Riverwalk Trail to look for architectural details, identify sculptures

from different angles, and match natural formations to photos. Enter the evening’s prize drawing.

August 12 Pond Exploration Outdoor Education Center Clear Lake Camp

It might wiggle, hop, or dive, but kids will get out on the boardwalk with a dip net to catch pond critters.

Generously sponsored by:

Nature Notes

Birding is His Passion Jack Wykoff, a “superstar birder” as he is known to birding insiders, recently

shared his log of bird observations at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute with data

stretching from January, 2002 – February, 2014. The log includes over 9,000

individual observations with 152 distinct species being recorded over 12

years. Twenty-nine of those species were only spotted once at the Institute,

which is a testament to the power of perseverance.

“Jack is a special guy,” said birder and wildlife photographer Josh Haas. “I met

him around four years ago when he attended a Field Ornithology course at the

Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. He was put in my trip group, and what I was told

before meeting him was, ‘You sure he isn't leading? He's probably one of the

best birders in SW Michigan.’ Well, that's enough to make a leader

nervous! But I met him, and we became friends very quickly. By the end of

five trips I led with Jack in my group, not only did I learn from him, but he learned from me and was challenged. He is a good—well,

VERY GOOD—birder with years and years of experience, but he's incredibly humble. I am honored just to bird with him, but also

humbled that he genuinely wants my opinion in the field, too. He loves to learn and will have that mindset always. He's also one of the

most dedicated birders to both Barry County and the Institute. No one birds Pierce more than Jack, seriously; he's the king of

Pierce. Jack is an ambassador for Barry County birds and just loves the place. He spends his retirement birding all over the county,

almost every day, but also enjoys trips all over the U.S. with friends and family.”

Wykoff visited the Institute 125 times last year during his “big year,” an informal competition among birders to see who can see or hear

the largest number of species of birds within a single calendar year.


Eldon Dodd, Josh Haas, Jack Wykoff, and Dave Haas.

6

Cecropia moth along the Beech Maple Ridge Trail (blue trail).

Nocturnal Animals—Moths Of all of the nocturnal creatures, the most ubiquitous

and unappreciated is probably the moth. They are

everywhere, often crashing into lights and campfires

and at first glance appear to be nothing but little gray

fluff balls, easily squashed and forgotten. Despite

these characteristics, moths are remarkable creatures

in many ways.

While moths can be very hard to distinguish between

species, they are a very diverse group of organisms.

There have been 433 different species of moths

identified at the Institute, and there are likely 100 more species that have not yet been identified. By comparison, 86 species of

butterflies have been found on the Institute’s property. Michigan has approximately 160 butterfly species and over 2,500 spec ies of

moths. The ratio is similar around the world.

Moths have a similar lifecycle to butterflies with a larval stage as a

caterpillar feasting on host plants, a pupae stage as a cocoon, and an

adult reproductive stage as a moth. Many species of moth specialize in

eating a specific plant or group of plants as a caterpillar. The specificity

allows for a great diversity of these insects to coexist since each moth

species would have a food source more to itself.

Moths have a number of adaptations that aid their survival. A typical

moth’s coloring allows it to be camouflaged while it rests during the day

on tree trunks and bark. The moth’s antennas are very sensitive chemical

detection systems with some male moths being able to detect a single

molecule of a female pheromone. While moths are a favorite food of bats,

they are not helpless. Some species of moths can detect the ultrasonic

cries of the bats and use evasive maneuvers to escape the predators. When out at night, take a second to find and appreciate the moth. To see

and experience moths in more detail, be sure to participate in the Moonlit

Moth program on July 11.

Matt Dykstra, Program Manager

Moonlit Moths Friday, July 11 9:30 pm – Midnight John Wilterding of Olivet College is a local expert on moths. Wilterding

will present background on moth species found on Institute property,

their importance to the local ecosystems, and set up a sheet to attract

moths and other nocturnal insects for observation. Program is weather

dependent and will be rescheduled in case of rain.

Members FREE | Non-Member Adults $6; Children $3

Cedar Creek Scenery

Native Ash Tree Preservation The Michigan Botanical Foundation (MBF)

recently awarded the Institute $1,500 to

continue a native ash tree preservation

project. In 2011, the Institute was able to

use previously awarded MBF grant funds to

inject 20 native ash trees with Tree-Age

pesticide. Tree-Age protects ash trees from

damage caused by the emerald ash borer. At

this time, the treated trees are still thriving,

but research indicates the treatment needs

to be re-applied at least

every three years in

order to preserve the

long-term presence of

some of the Institute’s

native ash trees. The

Institute intends to use

the restoration project to answer potential

research questions such as:

Are emerald ash borers adapting to Tree-

Age treatments?

Is the current three-year treatment

frequent enough to effectively protect

native ash trees?

Is there a reproductive penalty for not

treating ash trees?

Do treated ash trees have greater seed

viability than untreated ash trees?

Jen Howell, Stewardship Manager

Summer 2014 Trail Improvement The Stewardship Department is looking

forward to the construction of a waterfowl

observation deck on the western shore of

Cedar Creek (see website map for location).

This observation deck, largely planned and

constructed with volunteer labor, will be a

10’ X 16’ raised platform and will provide

picturesque views of Cedar Creek and the

waterfowl that routinely inhabit the area. The

primary purpose of this project is to provide

hikers, birders, researchers, and artists with

a view of the waterfowl and other wildlife that

utilize the oxbow on Cedar Creek. A primitive

trail will connect the observation deck to the

Beech Maple Ridge (Blue) Trail. The

connecting spur trail will be improved by

using wood chips created by chipping

downed ash tree limbs and unwanted

invasive plant material. This project should

be completed in June—in plenty of time to

enjoy the fall waterfowl migration.

Jen Howell, Stewardship Manager

Art Exhibit

Steve White—Photographic Art Exhibit:

“Communicating with the Universe” June – August, 2014 Monday through Friday 9 am – 5 pm

Free Admission

“The name of this exhibit is exactly

how I look at each and every piece of

photographic art that I create,” said

local photographer Steve White. “My

approach to the creative process is to

start with a plan and then become

open and aware, and amazing

experiences and surprises always

seem to happen. I have always been

driven by the passion to pursue the

adventure of landscape and nature

photography. I also have a love for

black and white photography and

specifically black and white infrared.

Several pieces in this exhibit are

infrared images from my body of work,

Beyond the Visible Spectrum.”

The majority of this exhibit is nature photography of Michigan with a light mix of

dramatic landscape pieces from the west. Take a short drive to the Institute to see

White’s extraordinary photographs. His work will be on display in the Visitor Center,

June – August, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet

award-winning photographer Steve White at the artist’s reception held Sunday, June 8,

from 1:30 – 3:30 pm. White will give a short presentation at 1:45 pm about his

creative approach to the art of photography including anecdotal stories and relative

images. He will also talk about the importance of the adventure and some basic tools

of the trade for landscape photography with an open discussion afterwards.

7

Conservation on Michigan’s Threatened Reptiles—

from Genes to Landscapes Dr. Jennifer Moore, assistant professor

at Grand Valley State University (GVSU),

will be speaking at Pierce Cedar Creek

Institute on Sunday, June 8, from

12:15 – 1 pm. Moore will talk about

her research studying the genetics,

population structure, and distribution

of wildlife. Moore has studied many

types of wildlife in Michigan, Alaska,

and New Zealand, including black

bears, Canada geese, boreal toads,

eastern box turtles, eastern

massasauga rattlesnakes, and the

tuatara (a large long-lived lizard native

to New Zealand). In recent years, Moore has been specifically involved with reptile

and amphibian research in Michigan. She is in her second season as a mentor and

researcher at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, after mentoring GVSU students Danielle

Bradke and Brooke Kiel last summer. This year she is mentoring two more GVSU

students, Nate Kudla and Jeff Bartman, as they study the links between prey

abundance and habitat use by eastern massasauga rattlesnakes.


Photo by David Cappaert,

bugwood.org

Dr. Jennifer Moore, Assistant Professor at GVSU.

Photographer Steve White

Thank You to Institute Supporters

What our Supporters are Saying As a non-profit organization, the Institute depends on dedicated

people to remain fiscally sound and accomplish its mission. Both

donors and volunteers are vitally important to the Institute’s

success. Barry Latoszewski is an exemplary volunteer and

sustaining member.

Latoszewski worked as

Director of Construction

and Design at Michigan

State University and

worked in the physical

plant department for 38

years. He now teaches a

class about facilities

management for the

hospitality business

curriculum at MSU. He has

an undergraduate degree

in zoology and likes being

outside.

Latoszewski voluntarily

mows and maintains the

Institute’s trail system all

spring, summer, and fall.

“I like doing trail

maintenance,” he said.

“I’m outside, by myself,

and I see things nobody else sees. There is real satisfaction in

knowing the trails are being maintained—I take it very personally.

If somebody complains

about the way the trails

look, that’s a reflection on

me and the way I do my job.

It’s not much work. If I can’t

give eight hours a week to a

worthy cause, then shame

on me. Everybody is busy

and has things to do, but

you find the time…you carve

out the time for something

that matters. There is

nothing more satisfying

than being out on the

prairie at eight o’clock in

the morning on a summer day with the dragonflies and

wildflowers, the deer and foxes.”

Thank you, Barry, and all the supporters who help make Pierce

Cedar Creek Institute a wonderful, vibrant resource for Barry

County and West Michigan.

Bill and Jessie Pierce invested in Barry County, the place they called home, by building Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Every day at the

Institute, the opportunities to teach, inspire, and change people’s lives are alive and real. From the summer research program for

college students, to the many hikes, programs, and events offered through every season, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is building a

reputation as a respected leader in environmental education.

Current supporters are as important to the Institute now as Bill and Jessie were to its inception. The Institute thanks all its supporters,

including its generous corporate sponsors, for their investment.

Thank you corporate members:

Henslow’s Sparrow – $1,000

Discovery Financial

Flexfab Horizons International, Inc.

Hastings Mutual

Sandhill Crane – $500

Berends, Hendricks, Stuit

Bosley Pharmacy

Gun Lake Casino

Hastings Fiber Glass Products

J-ad Graphics

Walker, Fluke & Sheldon, PLC

Eastern Bluebird – $250

Barry County Telephone

Coleman Agency of Hastings

Critical Computer Solutions, Battle Creek

Depot Law Office, PLC

Edward Jones of Hastings, Bob Knapp

Haskins Electric, LLC

Hastings City Bank

Hastings Family Dental Care

Lansing Sanitary Supply

Morgan Stanley – Don Krempa

TNR Machine

“It’s about your mission,” said

Latoszewski. “I could name a dozen

different reasons why I support the

Institute, but the bottom line is your

mission. I believe in voting with my feet

and putting my money where my mouth

is. When I retired, I decided I was going

to pick one particular cause to be

involved in, and when I found the

Institute I knew I wanted to support the

mission. I like the fact that you have an

educational component because I am

a college professor.”

8

To learn more about becoming a corporate sponsor,

contact Michelle Skedgell at (269) 721-4470.

Volunteer Barry Lastoszewski

Calendar of Events

June Brunch and Conservation of

Michigan’s Threatened Reptiles—From

Genes to Landscapes Program Sunday, June 8

Seating times: 11:30 am and 1 pm

Program time: 12:15 pm – 1 pm Dr. Jennifer Moore, assistant professor at Grand

Valley State University, will be speaking about her

research studying the genetics, population

structure, and distribution of wildlife. Moore has

studied many types of wildlife in Michigan,

Alaska, and New Zealand, including black bears,

Canada geese, boreal toads, eastern box turtles,

eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, and the

tuatara (a large, long-lived lizard native to New

Zealand). For more information see page 7.

Member Adults $13; Children $6

Non-Member Adults $15; Children $7 (Plus 6% sales tax. Children ages 4 – 10)

Program: Free

July Dinner and Summer Research

Program Sunday, July 13

Dinner at 5 pm | Program at 6 pm Several student researchers from the Institute

undergraduate programs—URGE, Gordon Art

Fellowship, and Nature in Words—will share their

research topics and summer experiences.


Non-Member Adults $15; Children $7 (Plus 6% sales tax. Children ages 4 – 10)

Program: Free

A BBQ and the MCC! Sunday, August 10

Dinner at 5 pm | Music 6 - 8 pm See page 11 for more information.


Non-Member Adults $24; Children $11

Music Only Adults $10; Children $5 (Children ages 4 – 10)

Register online at

cedarcreekinstitute.org or call (269) 721-4190.

Registration and pre-payment

are required.

No Family Left Indoors (locations vary)

Tuesdays, June 3, 10, 17, and 24 6:30 – 8 pm FREE

June Brunch and Program Sunday, June 8 11:30 am and 1 pm

Member Adults $13; Children $6 | Non-Member Adults $15; Children $7 (Plus 6% sales tax. Children ages 4 –10)

Artist’s Reception and Presentation—Steve White Sunday, June 8 1:30 – 3:30 pm FREE

Volunteer Workdays Wednesdays, June 11 and 25 9 am – Noon

Pushing the Limits—When the Killing’s Done (at Hastings Public Library)

Thursday, June 12 Noon – 1 pm FREE

Photography Retreat Saturday, June 14 8 am – 3 pm

Members $40 | Non-Members $50 Lunch is included.

ExploreMore—Summer Camp Experience (week 1) Monday, June 16 through Thursday, June 19 9 am – 3 pm

$150 through May 23 | $175 from May 24 – June 6

Ice Cream Social and Family Science Night Wednesday, June 25 6 – 8 pm FREE


Tuesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 6:30 – 8 pm FREE

Volunteer Work Days Wednesdays, July 9 and 23 9 am – Noon

Moonlit Moths Friday, July 11 9:30 pm – Midnight

Members FREE | Non-Member Adults $6; Children $3

"Her voice and songwriting seem to defy age. One

moment, she's a jazz singer, her voice vaulting

across ranges; the next, she's a folksinger, wizened

and weary."

—Mike Hughes, Lansing State Journal

Don't miss Rachael Davis at this year’s Ice Cream

Social; Wednesday, June 25 from 6 – 8 pm.

Calendar of Events


Tuesdays, June 3, 10, 17, and 24

6:30 – 8 pm See page 5 for more information.

FREE

June Brunch and Program Sunday, June 8 See page 9 for more information.

Steve White—Artist’s Reception and

Presentation Sunday, June 8 See page 7 for more information.

Volunteer Workdays Wednesdays, June 11 and 25

9 am – Noon Please join the Stewardship Department in their

effort to control invasive plants such as spotted

knapweed, purple loosestrife, and autumn olive.

Interested volunteers should wear long sleeves,

long pants, comfortable shoes, and additional sun

protection. Work gloves, water, and good

company will be provided.

Pushing the Limits—

When the Killing’s Done (at Hastings Public Library)

Thursday, June 12 Noon – 1 pm The theme of nature is prevalent in the book

When the Killing’s Done by T.C. Boyle. Based on a

real life situation on the Channel Islands off of

California, this book discusses themes of life and

death and the impact humans have on nature.

Please register with the Institute to guarantee

sufficient program materials.

FREE

Photography Retreat Saturday, June 14 8 am – 3 pm Join professional wildlife photographer Josh Haas

for a day of shooting and working with

photographs. The day begins with time to capture

a variety of scenes and subjects. Participants will

then head inside for lunch and to evaluate and

process photos. Haas will provide coaching

throughout the day. Participants are encouraged

to bring a laptop computer with imaging software

(Adobe Photoshop Elements is recommended).

Maximum participation is eight.

Members $40 | Non-Members $50 Lunch is included.

ExploreMore—

Summer Camp Experience (week 1)

Monday, June 16 through

Thursday, June 19 9 am – 3 pm See page 5 for more information.

July Dinner and Summer Research Program Sunday, July 13 Dinner 5 pm l Program 6 pm

Member Adults $13; Children $6 | Non-Member Adults $15; Children $7 (Plus 6% sales tax. Children ages 4 –10)

Thornapple Paddle Trip (from Charlton Park to Tyden Park) Saturday, July 26 9 am – 1 pm

Members $18 | Non-Members $23

Surf and Turf on the Grill Saturday, July 26 3 – 5 pm



Tuesdays, August 5 and 12 6:30 – 8 pm FREE

Volunteer Work Days August 6 and 20 9 am – Noon FREE

Family Science Night Thursday, August 7 6 – 8 pm FREE

A BBQ and the MCC Sunday, August 10 Dinner 5 pm | Music 6 – 8 pm

Member Adults $22; Children $10 | Non-Member Adults $24; Children $11

Music Only Adults $10; Children $5 (Children ages 4 – 10)

ExploreMore—Summer Camp Experience (week 2) Monday, August 11 through Thursday, August 14 9 am – 3 pm

Lacto-Fermentation Vegetable Preservation Saturday, August 23 9 – 11 am


Star Light, Star Bright, Star Gazing Saturday, August 23 8:30 – 11 pm

Members FREE | Non-Members $6; Children $3

Midnight Cattle Callers will perform Sunday, August 10 from 6 – 8 pm.

The core-band, comprised of Dee Sutton on guitar and lead vocals,

Seth Sutton on upright, Luke Gitchel on the lead guitar, banjo, and mandolin,

and Keith Husdon on clarinet, epitomizes the sound that embraces a simpler time.

http://midnightcattlecallers.com/sethsutton.cfm

http://midnightcattlecallers.com/lukegitchel.cfm

http://midnightcattlecallers.com/sethsutton.cfm

Register online at cedarcreekinstitute.org or call (269) 721-4190 for more information.

Pre-payment may be required for some events.

Ice Cream Social Wednesday, June 25

6 – 8 pm You won’t want to miss this annual,

super fun, and all free event. Bathe your

ears in the versatile and powerful voice

of Rachael Davis and lavish your taste

buds with ice cream.

FREE

Family Science Night Wednesday, June 25

6 – 8 pm See page 5 for more information.

FREE

No Family Left Indoors Locations vary Tuesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29


FREE

Volunteer Work Days Wednesdays, July 9 and 23

9 am – Noon See description under June 11 and 25

Volunteer Work Days on page 10.

Moonlit Moths Friday, July 11 9:30 pm – Midnight

Members FREE

Non-Member Adults $6; Children $3 See page 6 for more information.

July Dinner and Summer

Research Program Sunday, July 13

Dinner 5 pm l Program 6 pm See page 9 for more information.


Non-Member Adults $15; Children $7 (Plus 6% sales tax. Children ages 4 –10)

Surf and Turf on the Grill Saturday, July 26 3 – 5 pm Chef Richard Centala will stoke up the

grill and demonstrate how to cook

various meats, seafood, and vegetables

over the fire. After instruction,

participants may sample the many

dishes prepared.


11

Lacto-Fermentation Vegetable

Preservation Saturday, August 23 9 am – 11 am Learn the basics of the ancient

preservation technique of lacto-

fermentation with farmer and

preservationist Heather Colburn of Elder

Fire Farm Arts in Dowling. Heather has

been experimenting for over a decade with

this fun and healthful alternative to

canning by culturing fruits and vegetables.

Expect to be inspired into

experimentation, troubleshoot common

and uncommon issues, sample some

seasonal concoctions, and take home a

jar of uncultured vegetables ready to finish

culturing at home.


Star Light, Star Bright,

Star Gazing Saturday, August 23 8:30 – 11 pm Late summer is one of the best times of

the year for observing stars. Clear skies

and warm weather make it easy to stay

out late and appreciate the wonders of the

universe. The Kalamazoo Astronomical

Society will bring telescopes and help

explain the features of the night sky.

Participants are encouraged to bring a pair

of binoculars and a blanket. The program

may be rescheduled if viewing conditions

are not conducive on the scheduled date.

Members FREE

Non-Members $6; Children $3


Tuesdays, August 5 and 12


FREE

Volunteer Work Days August 6 and 20 9 am – Noon See description under June 11 and 25

Volunteer Work Days on page 10.

Family Science Night Thursday, August 7 6 – 8 pm See page 5 for more information.

FREE

A BBQ and the MCC! Sunday, August 10

Dinner 5 pm | Music 6 – 8 pm Dee Sutton, the songbird for the Midnight

Cattle Callers (MCC), pens the original

material with her husband, Seth, while the

rest of the band complements her with rich

harmonies. It's swingy, much like the 30's

and 40's big band era, yet it's too twang

not to be country. Pair this with Chef

Richard’s barbeque, and it’s an evening

you won’t want to miss.


Non-Member Adults $22; Children $10 (Plus 6% sales tax. Children ages 4 – 10) Music Only Adults $10; Children $5

ExploreMore—

Summer Camp Experience (week 2)

Monday, August 11 through

Thursday, August 14 9 am – 3 pm See page 5 for more information.

Thornapple Paddle Trip Saturday, July 26 9 am – 1 pm Try a very different “hike” on the Thornapple River from

Charlton Park to Tyden Park in Hastings. A local canoe

livery will provide boats, life jackets, and transportation for

this event. The trip down the river will begin with

instructions on how to safely handle a canoe. Enjoy life

along the river, observing the birds, mammals, and the

aquatic life, and learn how humans historically interacted

with the Thornapple River. Pre-registration and payment

are required. Participants should be able to get in and out

of the boat. Registration deadline is July 22.


Non-Profit

Organization

US Postage

PAID Dowling, MI

Permit No. 3

2014 Latesummer Night’s Green

100% Post-Consumer

Mark Your Calendar Now and Save the Date!

2014 Latesummer Night’s Green Saturday, September 13 6 – 9 pm

This is the fifth year for the Institute’s key fundraiser and “friendraiser.” Those who have attended over the years

know a Latesummer Night’s Green truly is a wonderful night of delicious food, drink, and music to share with new

and old friends. If you haven’t attended before—this is the year!

Make plans to come and bring friends who have never been to the Institute. You’ll all enjoy Chef Richard’s

creative array of appetizers, a refreshing collection of beer and wine, and even strolling musicians, all to make

you feel as though you are part of a Midsummer Night’s Dream! And the best part is, you will be helping the

Institute raise the needed funds to keep the mission of environmental education, research, preservation, and

appreciation alive and well.

Watch for details in our fall newsletter on how to buy your tickets.

I hope to see you here!

i think the urge program is a ... - cedar creek institute · and come to the institute for the...

Documents